Aponi Bayosa co-founders Stella Sutton and Fides Herrera-Lim.
October 25, 2025 marked a milestone for Aponi Bayosa co-founders Fides Herrera-Lim and Stella Sutton with the grand launch of their distinctive coffee brand at Common Grounds in Rockwell. Rather than simply presenting their premium beans, Fides and Stella created an immersive journey for coffee lovers to discover the heritage and intention behind their seven remarkable varieties. These are far from ordinary beans. Each one carries a story shaped by the long path from farm to cup.
During the event, guests learned about the art of coffee farming, roasting, and cupping through engaging talks and live demonstrations. Every element was designed to deepen appreciation for the unique flavor profiles sourced from various regions across the Philippines. What truly sets Aponi Bayosa apart is its commitment to empowering indigenous women farmers, an advocacy that Fides and Stella have woven into every bag they produce.
The launch was met with enthusiasm and curiosity. Guests listened intently to expert speakers, gaining new insights that changed the way they understood coffee. Among those who shared heartfelt reflections was attendee Maribel Marquez Zonaga, whose personal take added an authentic and relatable touch to the gathering.
APONI BAYOSA
There is good coffee and there is great coffee. Yet the most memorable kind is the coffee that tastes exceptional and carries a story with purpose. This is the heart of Aponi Bayosa.
Last month, I had the privilege of experiencing a true “coffee journey” from bean to cup, hosted by the founder of Aponi Bayosa. It was both educational and enjoyable for everyone present. The talks by a coffee grower, a roaster and distributor, and a barista revealed just how much artistry and craftsmanship go into making a truly satisfying cup. Beyond ingredients and technique, passion and intention elevate coffee into something that pleases the palate, fills the stomach, and warms the heart.
Fides shared the deeper mission behind Aponi Bayosa, which is to support indigenous coffee farmers in Benguet and other parts of the country. She herself comes from the indigenous Ibaloi tribe of the Cordilleras. The brand’s name honors her great grandmother, Bayosa, a coffee grower in the Benguet highlands. “Apo ni” means granddaughter of Bayosa, making the brand not only a tribute but a continuation of a legacy. There is something profoundly moving about drinking coffee that is rich in flavor and rich in story.
And what a range of flavors Aponi Bayosa offers. With seven varieties to choose from, the brand caters to every type of coffee drinker. Each pack includes tasting notes to spark curiosity, whether one prefers familiar chocolaty profiles or more complex notes such as bright acidity with sweet fruity floral undertones and a clear, memorable aftertaste. It is coffee designed to satisfy both casual drinkers and devoted aficionados.
Congratulations to Fides and Stella for launching a brand that not only celebrates Philippine coffee at its finest but also uplifts the communities that make it possible. May their efforts bring lasting impact to indigenous coffee growers, and may the story of Bayosa continue to live on in every cup.
We invite you to discover the sublime taste of Aponi Bayosa’s premium coffee beans. Consistently ranked highly by connoisseurs for their exceptional quality and layered flavor profiles, these limited-availability beans represent the pinnacle of thoughtful coffee craftsmanship. Experience the difference in every sip. Visit www.aponibayosa.com for more information.
